When Heidi and Anthony Muir packed up their lives in the bustling village of Allington, Kent, they weren’t just chasing a change of scenery—they were pursuing a whole new way of life. Trading a four-bedroom semi-detached house for a nine-bedroom château in rural central France, the couple says the move has given them something they had been missing in the UK: a true sense of community.

“We don't have any regrets whatsoever. We absolutely love living here,” said Heidi, 57, reflecting on nearly three years spent running a bed and breakfast business from the beautifully restored Chez Jallot—a historic château steeped in wartime history and rustic charm.

It wasn’t a decision made lightly. After living for nearly three decades in a beloved family home—once owned by Heidi’s grandmother—the Muirs felt increasingly hemmed in by growing developments and endless weekend traffic. “The main London Road going into Maidstone was gridlocked most weekends,” Heidi recalled. “This was one of the main factors of why we just wanted to change our lifestyle a little bit.”

What began as a search for a holiday home quickly turned into a life-changing opportunity. When the couple stumbled upon Chez Jallot, which had been featured on Grand Designs, they remembered admiring it on TV years earlier. That admiration turned into ownership when they purchased the château in 2022 for $462,500—nearly half the price of their Kent home.

Chez Jallot is no ordinary property. Built around 1870, the château once served as a headquarters for the French Resistance during World War II. “It was just four walls because the house was burnt down in the war by the Nazis,” Heidi explained. The previous owners, Doug and Deni Ibbs, lovingly restored the derelict building over many years. Thanks to their hard work, the Muirs were able to step into a dream already revived.

And what a dream it’s been.

“We're getting over 300 guests a year. Last year we had 359 guests from all over the world,” Heidi shared. “We’re pretty much fully booked for August and July. It has taken us by surprise how well everything has gone.”

Beyond business success, the couple has found the deeper fulfillment they were seeking. “This is one of the least populated areas of France,” Heidi noted. “It’s really beautiful and quiet. It’s a lot more relaxed and very peaceful.”

But more than just peace and quiet, they’ve found connection. “There’s a real neighbourhood community here where everybody helps each other,” she added. “In England, for us, that’s what was missing. Our town was getting bigger and bigger... you live in your own little bubbles. Here, you talk to your neighbours more.”

Though rural life comes with its challenges—like limited shopping options and slower-paced services—the couple says the trade-off has been more than worth it. “You have to be more organized,” Heidi admitted. “But once we stepped foot in this house, we instantly knew it was the house that we wanted.”

Their new life is supported by a close-knit local network, their two loyal Shitzus, Poppy and Coco, and frequent visits from their grown children—Bronwyn, Ewan, and Toby—who live in London but often escape to the French countryside.

Even with the occasional pang of longing for cheddar cheese or London’s diverse restaurants, the Muirs feel deeply at home. “It was always a bit of a hopeful wish to live in France,” Heidi said. “And never in a million years did we think we would actually end up living here.”

The château itself has proven to be not just a home, but a calling. Between their storybook setting, rich history, and appearances on Grand Designs, guests from around the world are drawn to the B&B—and many leave inspired to chase their own version of the dream.

To those considering a similar leap, Heidi offers a word of advice: “Do your homework. Make sure you visit lots and lots of houses because there are a lot of hidden things you don’t think about. If you want a different lifestyle, then I would encourage anybody to make the leap.”

It’s a leap the Muirs made with courage—and one they’re grateful for every day. “We still pinch ourselves,” Heidi said. “We never would have dreamed we would be in this position.”